e-vo for June 26

Dearest e-votees,

This Sunday's gospel text is Matthew 10:40-42 where Jesus promises that even someone who gives a cup of cold (translators add "water" which is not in the Greek will not lose their reward.

Mark 9:41 talks about giving a cup of water (no "cold" in the Greek).

It got me thinking... 

Peace,

Karl

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The reason that a cup of cold water is such a kindness is that the culture of the Bible lives in the hot portions of the world.  Water or lack thereof is a matter of life and death.  Cold water on a stifling hot day is such a hospitable kindness.  There is a reason lemonade stands can maintain a profitable margin.

But what if you were trying to offer hospitality to someone in a very frigid environment?  If you were stationed at a research station in Antarctica and came in from the cold you might much more prefer a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa (or one of those mixed drinks that start with "hot").

The reward or the blessing needs to fit the context.

In order to bless people well we need to know their context, their needs and their preferences.  In order for others to bless us well they need to know our contexts and our needs and our preferences.

There is need to know one another.  "Know" had a deep and intimate sense in the Bible.  In the garden of Eden Adam "knew" Eve and they had children.  We are called to grow deeply in relationship with one another.  We are called to know one another.  In that context of knowing we can bestow meaningfully in ways that we be assuredly appreciated.

God, help us know one another.  Help us get to know our neighbors.  Help us live generously and hospitably.  Amen.